Thursday, June 30, 2011

Roger Federer crashes out of Wimbledon in the quarter finals as tournament of upsets continues

By DEBORAH ARTHURS

Out and down: Roger Federer slumps in his chair after his surprise exit at the hands of Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

There was shock for a second day running at Wimbledon as Switzerland's Roger Federer crashed out of the tournament in the quarter finals.

The world number three was beaten in an unexpected defeat by French hope Jo-Wilifried Tsonga, who battled the six-times Wimbledon champion in a five set marathon.

It means Andy Murray now has one less challenge to overcome as he aims to win his first Wimbledon title, having breezed past Feliciano Lopez in straight sets in imperious form.

Tsonga's reward for beating Federer is a semi against Novak Djokovic. Murray's victory means he will now face another Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, who made it through to the semi-final by seeing off the challenge of Mardy Fish.

Federer's defeat came after the Swiss had established a strong two-set lead where it seemed he had the game in his stylish white bag.

But in an amazing comeback that stunned the crowd, Tsonga snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by beating Federer three sets to two, winning six games to four in the final set.

A delighted Tsonga performed a victory dance as Roger quietly walked from the court he has come to call his own over the past eight years.

After his match Murray said he was surprised at Federer's exit but that Tsonga had simply played too well for even the Swiss legend to cope.

In reverse: Perennial underachiever Tsonga, left, consoles one of the greatest players in history after his shock victory over Federer

A pat on the back: Federer has the class to acknowledge Tsonga on a job well done

'I don't think Roger played a bad match,' said Murray.

Sometimes other guys just play too good.'

Confident Federer fans looked jubilant as Federer easily took the first two sets.

But their smiles faded as he lost the third set and it became clear he could not push back against Tsonga's unwavering energy.

'I could get used to this': Tsonga is mobbed by fans clamouring for an autograph as he leaves the court after his shock victory

It's all a bit of a blur: Federer can't find an answer to Tsonga's onslaught as he prowls the baseline

Court appearance: Anna Wintour is jubilant early on in Federer's match, while right, Chelsy Davy looks tense in the face of reports today that on-off boyfriend Prince Harry has a new girlfriend, Florence Brudenell-Bruce

Fans: Pippa Middleton is flanked by mother Carole and boyfriend Alex Loudon as they watch Federer play